More fungicide applications for snow mold control?

Over the past two weeks I received many calls regarding the mild conditions and concerns about effectiveness of fungicide applications for snow mold control.  The major question is whether or not to make another application at this time.  Consider he following:
  1. The snow mold of concern here in Indiana is pink snow mold, aka Micodochium patch--same pathogen with two phases of disease, one under snow, and one without snow cover.
  2. The pathogen is capable of growth within a broad window of temperature (32-50 Fahrenheit)…as long as there is ample moisture…and there has been.
  3. Effective fungicides perform best during the initial periods of pathogen growth.  So, if an effective fungicide combination (at appropriate application rates) (say DMI + iprodione + QoI +/-chlorothalonil, +/- PCNB) was applied in late November or early December, then it is likely that the fungicide was successful in reducing pathogen populations to very low levels.
  4. Fungicide applied 2-4 weeks ago is no longer present in the plant—at least not in amounts that can limit fungal growth.  Also, it is not present in thatch or soil.  Since temperature has remained unseasonably high (extended periods well above 40F), fungicides were broken down in plant tissues and in sand/thatch quickly—within 10 – 14 days.  Most of the residues are degraded rather than removed by mowing or washing with rain.  So, protection is weak at very best.
  5. Those populations that were reduced by fungicide application (in item 3 above) begin to regrow as soon as fungicide is depleted.  With the extended forecast for mild conditions, new infections are likely, and superintendents should consider another application of effective products on greens (and maybe tee boxes if grass is prone to infection and budget allows).
  6. There are many options to choose from, but I think a combination of active ingredients (including chlorothalonil) should be considered.  Also, remember that effective granular options are available (Headway G, Pillar G) to avoid compacting greens with a large sprayer.

As always, I would suggest a 3' x 5' check plot one of the more disease prone greens to learn the benefit of any supplemental spray.  That way, when this question arises again in the future, we have some compiled experience to serve as a reference.

Rick Latin, Turfgrass Pathologist

Tweet from Ryan Cummings about his second snow mold application on December 22.  https://twitter.com/RCummings38

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The Indiana Green Expo (January 6-8, 2016): Indiana's Largest Green Industry Event

The Indiana Green Expo (IGE) is Indiana's most comprehensive green industry educational conference and trade show. It is a time of education, new products and networking with industry members.


The IGE features exhibiting companies from around the country. Our attendees are from Indiana and the surrounding states which include business owners, managers and staff of wholesale and retail nurseries, landscape management firms, greenhouse growers, golf course superintendents and staff, grounds maintenance departments, landscape design and installation firms, garden centers, consulting firms, educational institutions, suppliers and more!

Register Online HERE. Learn more about the event HERE.

January 6-8, 2016 • Indiana Convention Center
100 S. Capitol Avenue,  Indianapolis, IN 46225
Here are directions (map/directions) and parking information (parking)
. We look forward to seeing you at the Indiana Green Expo (IGE). To help you get the most out of the IGE, we want to share some highlights and the digital version of the Show Program.
 
Safe travels to the Expo and see you soon!
EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS    8 Workshops – Over 98 Education Seminars! Sessions are packed with CCHs from the Indiana State Chemist.
>  Opening Session:  Thursday, Jan. 7, 8:00– 10:15 am 
    With Keynote Speaker Howard Kellman, award winning sports broadcaster, speaking at 9:15 am. 

>  New in 2016:

  • Tree Care education session
  • Spanish speaking session
  • Vegetation Management session

 >  Awesome turf education: Wednesday, Jan. 6-8
  • Bunker construction, tournament hosting, and innovation sessions for the golf course superintendent with many superintendent speakers in addition to academic experts.
  • NFL, soccer, and baseball presentations and many top speakers for the sports turf manager.
  • Excellent lawn care advice from the experts and updates on current issues for the lawn care industry.
 >  Landscape and plant material education: Wednesday, Jan. 6-8
  • Plant materials, landscape installation/maintenance, design, tree care, hardscape, and production are among the sessions attendees can choose from. 
  • ICPI and NCMA certification classes are back!
  • Many owner/operator speakers in addition to academic experts.
>  MRTF Awards Reception: Thursday, 5:00-7:00pm, The Westin Hotel >  INLA Annual Meeting and Award Reception: Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm, Room 236-237 ICC

TRADE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
>  New Product Showcase:
    Second year to offer this unique showcase! 

>  Longer Trade Show Hours on Thursday and Friday!  
>  INEF Scholarship Silent Auction: One day only!  
    Thursday, January 7, 8:00 am–3:30 pm, Trade Show Floor
>  Annual Landscape Challenge:
   Thursday, January 7, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, Trade Show Floor
    Landscape teams compete to build a 300 sq. ft.
    landscape/garden project in 4 hours! Attendees and
    judging committee vote on the winner.


IGE 2015 Corporate Sponsors  >  Blue Grass Farms & Brehob Nursery
The Indiana Green Expo is presented in partnership by the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association and Midwest Regional Turf Foundation

www.indianagreenexpo.com






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2016 Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science Online now enrolling students



Any investment in quality continuing education opportunities benefits employees and employers alike. The 2016 Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science Online is designed to help meet the continuing education needs of any individual or organization.  This 12-week program will have training sessions accessible live online on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 pm (Eastern Standard Time) or the option to view the recorded sessions. This 12-week certificate-based program aims to provide participants with thorough and practical continuing education in turfgrass management.  The course is directed by educators from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cites and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with 12 turfgrass scientists and educators from seven Land-Grant Universities.

Turfgrasses are a resource in our urban community environments and best management practices are aligned with environmental, economic & societal priorities. The Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science provides participants with the science based principles needed to effectively manage turf for recreation, sport, aesthetics and environmental protection. The Great Lakes School of Turfgrass Science is a quality training opportunity for:
  • Practitioners that establish and maintain turfgrass for athletic fields, consumer/commercial lawns, golf courses, recreation/parks, and sod production
  • Technical representatives from industry (suppliers of equipment, plant protectants, fertilizer, etc.)
  • Those new to the industry – wanting to get trained and off to a great start
  • Those with experience in the industry – to review/update their knowledge and practices
The registration deadline is December 31st, 2015. Students will have access to the course and materials at their convenience during the 12-week period (January 6th – March 23th, 2016) via moodle class management system.  The fee for the course is $495, which includes supplemental materials, access to all recorded sessions, and a certificate after successful completion of the program.  Visit this link to register: https://z.umn.edu/2016glts

Early registration is encouraged and pre-registration is required.

For Further Information: Contact Sam Bauer, Assistant Extension Professor – University of Minnesota, Email: sjbauer@umn.edu Phone: 763-767-3518.

The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation is a supporting partner of this short course and Purdue's Dr. Aaron Patton is one of the instructors. We encourage you to consider this new, online education opportunity.

Aaron Patton, Turf Extension Specialist







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